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Religious Immigration Services

Religious workers from all over the world are called to the United States every year to fulfill their faith's mission, but the complexity and ever changing landscape of U.S. immigration law can make the journey difficult without guidance. This is where Religious Immigration Services can help.

Established in 1988 as part of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., Religious Immigration Services is one of the few groups in the United States specializing in religious immigration law. These experienced legal professionals work closely with religious organizations who wish to bring a religious worker to the United States.

Religious Immigration Services is currently accepting new cases. Please contact us at RIS@cliniclegal.org or 301.565.4832 to learn more.

Personalized Assistance

Orientations for religious workers and religious organizations on the U.S. immigration system

Consultations on specific immigration questions by phone or e-mail

Site visits to assist with complex immigration issues

Ongoing legal case management

Trainings for church personnel and staff on religious immigration law

Important Issues in Religious Worker Immigration Law

Travel Advisory - March 12, 2020

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on March 11, 2020, President Trump issued a new travel proclamation suspending entry of all immigrants and non-immigrants who were physically present in the following 26 European countries. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you are physically present in any of these countries during a 14-day period preceding your entry or attempted entry into the U.S., you will not be permitted to enter the U.S.

Travel Advisory - March 4, 2020

As you are most likely are aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is becoming a more immediate health concern in the U.S. As such, the government has already begun limiting visitors to the U.S. (non-U.S. citizens) who may have recently traveled to the following countries: China, S. Korea, Iran and Italy.

Non-Minister Sunset Extended until Sept. 30, 2020

President Trump signed the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020” (H.R. 1865) into law on Friday Dec. 20, funding the federal government through Sept. 30, 2020. The Act also extends several immigration programs. Division I, Title I (Immigration Extensions), Sec. 102 of the Act amends the sunset date of the Non-Minister Permanent Residence Program under Sec. 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and (III) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) until Sept. 30, 2020. Thus, the Non-Minister Permanent Residence Program is extended until Sept. 30, 2020.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they arise. For more information, please contact the Religious Immigration Services section at 301-565-4832 or contact your RIS attorney directly.

Updated Dec. 21, 2019

Promoting the Dignity of Immigrants with Affordable Legal Expertise

As it has for more than 30 years, CLINIC will fight for the rights of immigrants. CLINIC trains legal representatives who provide high-quality and affordable immigration legal services. We develop and sustain a network of nonprofit programs that serve close to 500,000 immigrants every year. We cultivate projects that support and defend vulnerable immigrant populations by:

providing direct representation for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and educating them about their rights;

reuniting formerly separated families;

increasing legal representation for those in removal proceedings and in detention;

providing public education on immigration law and policies; and

advocating for fair and just immigration policies that acknowledge the inherent dignity and value of all people.

History has taught us that people who step up can make a difference. We hope you will join us.

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About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, CLINIC promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. We are based out of Silver Spring, Maryland (Washington, D.C. metropolitan area), with an office in Oakland, California, and additional staff working from locations throughout the country. Questions and inquiries can be sent to national@cliniclegal.org.

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